In alignment with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, the fifth meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council focused on strengthening cooperative federalism and accelerating the national development agenda.
Key Participants
The meeting brought together leadership from both the Union and State levels to shape a shared national vision.
Ex-Officio Members: Ministers of Defence; Home Affairs; Finance and Corporate Affairs; and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj.
Special Invitees: Ministers of Road Transport and Highways; MSME; Social Justice and Empowerment; Railways and Commerce; Statistics and Programme Implementation; Consumer Affairs; Jal Shakti; and Animal Husbandry. The National Security Adviser also attended.
NITI Aayog Leadership: Vice Chairman, Members, CEO, and senior officials.
Meeting Agenda
The Council deliberated on critical developmental priorities, including:
Water Management: Rainwater harvesting and drought relief measures.
Aspirational Districts Programme: Evaluation of achievements and addressing ongoing challenges.
Agricultural Transformation: Structural reforms with a focus on:
The Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act
The Essential Commodities Act (ECA)
Security: Addressing issues in districts affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
About the NITI Governing Council
The Governing Council is India’s premier body for evolving national strategies with active participation from States. It comprises the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories (with legislatures), and Lieutenant Governors of other Union Territories.
Historical Context & Outcomes
1st Meeting (February 2015): Established the mandate of cooperative federalism.
2nd Meeting (July 2015): Advanced the integration of state-level priorities.
3rd Meeting (April 2017): Focused on long-term strategy and vision documents.
4th Meeting (June 2018): Reviewed measures for doubling farmers’ income and flagship schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and POSHAN Abhiyaan.
